Revelation 6:5

Authorized King James Version

And when he had opened the third seal, I heard the third beast say, Come and see. And I beheld, and lo a black horse; and he that sat on him had a pair of balances in his hand.

Word-by-Word Analysis

Καὶ

G2532

And

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ὅτε

G3753

when

at which (thing) too, i.e., when

ἤνοιξεν

G455

he had opened

to open up (literally or figuratively, in various applications)

τὴν

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

τρίτου

G5154

the third

third; neuter (as noun) a third part, or (as adverb) a (or the) third time, thirdly

σφραγῖδα

G4973

seal

a signet (as fencing in or protecting from misappropriation); by implication, the stamp impressed (as a mark of privacy, or genuineness), literally or

ἤκουσα

G191

I heard

to hear (in various senses)

τοῦ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

τρίτου

G5154

the third

third; neuter (as noun) a third part, or (as adverb) a (or the) third time, thirdly

#10

ζῴου

G2226

beast

a live thing, i.e., an animal

#11

λέγοντος

G3004

say

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

#12

Ἔρχου

G2064

Come

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

#13

Καὶ

G2532

And

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#14

βλέπε

G991

see

to look at (literally or figuratively)

#15

Καὶ

G2532

And

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#16

εἶδον

G1492

I beheld

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

#17

Καὶ

G2532

And

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#18

ἰδού,

G2400

used as imperative lo!

#19

ἵππος

G2462

horse

a horse

#20

μέλας

G3189

a black

black

#21

Καὶ

G2532

And

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#22

ὁ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#23

καθήμενος

G2521

he that sat

and ???? (to sit; akin to the base of g1476); to sit down; figuratively, to remain, reside

#24

ἐπ'

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

#25

αὐτοῦ

G846

him

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

#26

ἔχων

G2192

had

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

#27

ζυγὸν

G2218

a pair of balances

a coupling, i.e., (figuratively) servitude (a law or obligation); also (literally) the beam of the balance (as connecting the scales)

#28

ἐν

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

#29

τῇ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#30

χειρὶ

G5495

hand

the hand (literally or figuratively (power); especially (by hebraism) a means or instrument)

#31

αὐτοῦ

G846

him

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

Analysis

Within the broader context of Revelation, this passage highlights kingdom of God through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Revelation.

Historical Context

The historical context of the Domitian persecution period (c. 95 CE) provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

How does this verse's literary context within Revelation chapter 6 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from earthly theocracy through Davidic kingdom to eschatological fulfillment, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
What practical applications emerge from understanding kingdom of God as presented in this verse, particularly in light of providing hope in times of political and social upheaval?